Salem I. Noureldine

The impact of surgical volume on patient outcomes following thyroid surgery

BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the effects of indications for thyroidectomy on patient outcomes and to examine the impact of surgical volume on these outcomes. METHODS The nationwide inpatient sample was used to identify all patients who underwent total thyroidectomy (TT) between 2000 and 2009. We examined the effects of surgeon volume and hospital characteristics on predicting patient outcomes. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine the effects of the indication for surgical care on postoperative outcomes. RESULTS Overall, 46,261 procedures were identified. Patients with Graves disease had the highest postoperative complications (17.5%) compared to patients undergoing TT for other benign (13.9%) and malignant (13.2%) thyroid disease (P < .001). After stratification by surgeon volume, Graves disease was found to be a significant predictor of postoperative complications in surgeries performed by low- and intermediate-volume surgeons (P < .05). However, Graves disease was not a significant predictor of postoperative complications when performed by high volume surgeons (P = .81). Hospital volume had an inconsistent and marginal protective effect on postoperative outcomes. CONCLUSION Surgery for Graves disease is associated with a higher risk for complications when performed by less experienced surgeons. This finding should prompt recommendations for increasing surgical specialization and referrals to high-volume surgeons in the management of Graves disease.

Association of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and thyroid cancer

Purpose of review The association of Hashimotos thyroiditis and thyroid cancer remains an active focus of research and controversy. Since it was first proposed in 1955, numerous studies have explored the epidemiology and etiology of these concurrent disease processes. Recent findings The lymphocytic infiltration of Hashimotos thyroiditis is frequently encountered in thyroid glands resected for a neoplasm. The most frequent association is noted with papillary thyroid cancer. Several recent studies performed on patients undergoing thyroidectomy with coexisting Hashimotos thyroiditis report an increased prevalence of papillary thyroid cancer, with a favorable disease profile and an improved prognosis, particularly in women. Conversely, some population-based studies using fine-needle aspiration biopsy data report no linkage between serologic Hashimotos thyroiditis and thyroid cancer, yet they are limited by the lack of definitive pathology. On the other hand, the significantly increased incidence of primary thyroid lymphomas in patients with Hashimotos thyroiditis strongly suggests a pathogenetic link between this autoimmune disorder and malignant thyroid lymphoma. Summary The lymphocytic infiltration of Hashimotos thyroiditis is frequently associated with papillary thyroid cancer and may indeed be a risk factor for developing this type of cancer. Nonetheless, a pathogenesis linking these diseases remains unclear. The relationship between thyroid lymphoma and Hashimotos thyroiditis appears to be well established.

Correlation of Final Evoked Potential Amplitudes on Intraoperative Electromyography of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve With Immediate Postoperative Vocal Fold Function After Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery

IMPORTANCE Thyroid and parathyroid surgery are among the most common operations in the United States. Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is an infrequent but potentially detrimental complication. OBJECTIVE To correlate the final evoked potential amplitudes on intraoperative electromyography (EMG) after stimulation of the RLN with immediate postoperative vocal fold function after thyroid and parathyroid surgery. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Retrospective observational study at a tertiary academic medical center. We included 674 patients (with 1000 nerves at risk) undergoing thyroid or parathyroid surgery from July 1, 2008, through June 30, 2012. INTERVENTIONS Thyroid and parathyroid surgery. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The association of final evoked potential amplitudes on EMG after thyroid and parathyroid surgery with vocal fold function as determined by postoperative fiberoptic laryngoscopy. RESULTS Three patients experienced permanent vocal fold paresis (VFP) secondary to intraoperative RLN transection. Of the remaining 997 RLNs at risk, 22 (2.2%) in 20 patients exhibited temporary VFP on fiberoptic laryngoscopy after extubation. Eighteen patients experienced unilateral temporary VFP, and 2 experienced bilateral VFP without the need for tracheostomy or reintubation. Of the 22 RLNs, postdissection EMG amplitudes were less than 200 µV (true-positive findings) in 21 and at least 200 µV (false-negative finding) in 1. Of the 975 RLNs (97.5%) with normal function, postdissection EMG amplitudes were at least 200 µV (true-negative findings) in 967 and less than 200 µV (false-positive findings) in 8. In regard to immediate postoperative VFP, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of postdissection EMG amplitudes of less than 200 µV were 95.5%, 99.2%, 72.4%, 99.9%, and 99.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Intraoperative nerve monitoring of the RLN with EMG provides real-time information regarding neurophysiologic function of the RLN and can predict immediate postoperative VFP reliably when a cutoff of 200 µV is used. The high negative predictive value means that the surgeon can presume with confidence that the RLN has not been injured in the presence of a potential of at least 200 µV. This information would be useful in patients for whom bilateral thyroid surgery is being considered.

Hemithyroidectomy: a meta-analysis of postoperative need for hormone replacement and complications.

Background: We sought to determine certain factors predicting postoperative need for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after hemithyroidectomy. Methods: A PubMed search was conducted to identify articles with separate cohorts for total and hemithyroidectomy. Outcomes of interest included hypothyroidism and complications. Results: Of 50,445 patients, 15,412 (30.6%) underwent hemithyroidectomy. The reported incidence rate of postoperative hypothyroidism was 10.9-48.8%. The pooled mean preoperative thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level was 1.06 µIU/l (0.83-1.29) higher in hypothyroid patients. A preoperative TSH level >2.5 µIU/l was associated with a relative risk (RR, 95% CI) of 3.16 (2.03-4.90) for postoperative hypothyroidism. There was a significant pooled RR of 3.52 (2.55-4.86) for thyroid antibodies and 3.30 (2.49-4.36) for thyroiditis on pathology for postoperative HRT. The pooled RR for postoperative complications was 10.67 (5.75-19.31) for temporary hypocalcemia, 3.17 (1.72-5.83) for permanent hypocalcemia, 1.69 (1.30-2.20) for temporary injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), 1.85 (1.28-2.69) for permanent RLN injury and 2.58 (1.69-3.93) for hemorrhage in patients who underwent total thyroidectomy compared to hemithyroidectomy. Conclusion: Higher preoperative TSH levels, presence of anti-thyroid antibodies and thyroiditis predict postoperative need for HRT. It is imperative to counsel patients with these findings regarding their higher risk of developing postoperative hypothyroidism and need for HRT after hemithyroidectomy.

Minimally invasive parathyroid surgery

Traditionally, bilateral cervical exploration for localization of all four parathyroid glands and removal of any that are grossly enlarged has been the standard surgical treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). With the advances in preoperative localization studies and greater public demand for less invasive procedures, novel targeted, minimally invasive techniques to the parathyroid glands have been described and practiced over the past 2 decades. Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) can be done either through the standard Kocher incision, a smaller midline incision, with video assistance (purely endoscopic and video-assisted techniques), or through an ectopically placed, extracervical, incision. In current practice, once PHPT is diagnosed, preoperative evaluation using high-resolution radiographic imaging to localize the offending parathyroid gland is essential if MIP is to be considered. The imaging study results suggest where the surgeon should begin the focused procedure and serve as a road map to allow tailoring of an efficient, imaging-guided dissection while eliminating the unnecessary dissection of multiple glands or a bilateral exploration. Intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) levels may be measured during the procedure, or a gamma probe used during radioguided parathyroidectomy, to ascertain that the correct gland has been excised and that no other hyperfunctional tissue is present. MIP has many advantages over the traditional bilateral, four-gland exploration. MIP can be performed using local anesthesia, requires less operative time, results in fewer complications, and offers an improved cosmetic result and greater patient satisfaction. Additional advantages of MIP are earlier hospital discharge and decreased overall associated costs. This article aims to address the considerations for accomplishing MIP, including the role of preoperative imaging studies, intraoperative adjuncts, and surgical techniques.

Effect of Gene Expression Classifier Molecular Testing on the Surgical Decision-Making Process for Patients With Thyroid Nodules.

IMPORTANCE Commercial molecular testing, such as the gene expression classifier (GEC), is now being used in the work up of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules. While this test may be helpful in ruling out malignancy in a thyroid nodule, its effect on surgical decision making has yet to be fully defined. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine the effect and outcome of GEC test results on the decision-making process for patients with thyroid nodules presenting for surgical consultation. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A surgical management algorithm was developed that incorporated individual Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology classifications, in addition to clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings. We then retrospectively applied this algorithm to 273 consecutive patients with thyroid nodules and GEC test results who had presented for surgical consultation between February 1, 2012, and December 31, 2014. INTERVENTIONS GEC testing. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Changes in management were recorded to identify the effect of GEC testing on the surgical decision-making process. An alteration in management of 20% of cases was considered significant. RESULTS Of the 273 consecutive patients assessed by the GEC, mean (SD) age was 50.8 (14.7) years, 204 (74.7%) were female, and the mean (SD) nodule size was 2.4 (1.3) cm. Test results were suspicious for 233 (85.3%); benign for 31 (11.4%); and indeterminate for 8 (2.9%). The GEC test was also positive for medullary thyroid cancer for 1 patient (0.4%). The GEC test was correctly used as a rule-out test in only 127 patients (46.5%) with indeterminate nodules who lacked a clinical indication for surgery. The clinical management plan of only 23 (8.4%) patients was altered as a result of GEC test results, and of these 23 patients who proceeded to surgery, 16 patients (72.7%) were found to be inappropriately overtreated relative to postoperative histopathology analysis. We found that GEC testing did not affect the surgical decision-making process in 250 (91.6%) of our patients. In 146 cases, the use of GEC testing was not clinically indicated, and the test was being overused in patients for whom the results would not change surgical management. The positive predictive value of the GEC test for cytologically indeterminate nodules was 42.1%, and the negative predictive value was 83.3%. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The GEC testing did not significantly affect the surgical decision-making process. Gene expression classifier testing is often used incorrectly and is overused in patients for whom the results would not change management. The GEC test demonstrated a lower than expected negative predictive value, and there was evidence of overtreatment among patients whose treatment was altered based on this test.

Multiphase computed tomography for localization of parathyroid disease in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: How many phases do we really need?

BACKGROUND Multiphase computed tomography (CT) involves multiple cervical CT acquisitions to accurately identify hyperfunctional parathyroid glands, thus increasing radiation exposure to the patient. We hypothesized that only 2 cervical acquisitions, instead of the conventional 4, would provide equivalent localization information and halve the radiation exposure. METHODS We identified 53 consecutive patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent multiphase CT before parathyroidectomy. All scans were reinterpreted first using 2 phases then using all 4 phases. The accuracies of interpretations were determined with surgical findings serving as the standard of reference. RESULTS Sixty-four hyperfunctional parathyroid glands were resected with a mean weight of 394.3 mg. Two-phase CT lateralized the hyperfunctional glands in 38 patients with a sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), and accuracy of 100%, 71.7%, and 71.7%, respectively. Four-phase CT lateralized the hyperfunctional glands in 39 patients with a sensitivity, PPV, and accuracy of 95.1%, 76.5%, and 73.6%, respectively. For quadrant localization, the accuracy of 2-phase and 4-phase CT was 50.9% and 52.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that 2-phase and 4-phase CT provide an equivalent diagnostic accuracy in localizing hyperfunctional parathyroid glands. The reduced radiation exposure to the patient may make 2-phase acquisitions a more acceptable alternative for preoperative localization.

Early Predictors of Hypocalcemia After Total Thyroidectomy An Analysis of 304 Patients Using a Short-Stay Monitoring Protocol

IMPORTANCE Postoperative hypocalcemia is common after total thyroidectomy, and perioperative monitoring of serum calcium levels is arguably the primary reason for overnight hospitalization. Confidently predicting which patients will not develop significant hypocalcemia may allow for a safe earlier discharge. OBJECTIVE To examine associations of patient characteristics with hypocalcemia, duration of hospitalization, and postoperative intact parathyroid hormone (IPTH) level after total thyroidectomy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Retrospective study of consecutive patients who underwent total thyroidectomy by a single high-volume surgeon between February 1, 2010, and November 30, 2012. Postoperative serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (vitamin D), calcium, and IPTH levels were tested within 6 to 8 hours after surgery. Mild hypocalcemia was defined as any postoperative serum calcium level of less than 8.4 to 8.0 mg/dL. Significant hypocalcemia was defined as any postoperative serum calcium level of less than 8.0 mg/dL or the development of hypocalcemia-related symptoms. INTERVENTIONS Total thyroidectomy. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Associations of patient demographic and clinical characteristics and laboratory values with postoperative mild and significant hypocalcemia were examined using univariate analysis, and independent predictors of hypocalcemia, duration of hospitalization, and IPTH level were determined using multivariate analysis. RESULTS Overall, 304 total thyroidectomies were performed. Mild and significant hypocalcemia occurred in 68 (22.4%) and 91 (29.9%) patients, respectively, of which the majority were female (P = .003). The development of significant hypocalcemia was associated with postoperative IPTH level (P < .001). On multivariate analysis, males had a decreased risk of developing mild (odds ratio, 0.37 [95% CI, 0.16-0.85]) and significant (odds ratio, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.09-0.78]) hypocalcemia. Every 10-pg/mL increase in postoperative IPTH level predicted a 43% decreased risk of significant hypocalcemia (P < .001) and an 18% decreased risk of hospitalization beyond 24 hours (P = .03). Presence of malignant neoplasm carried a 27% risk of mild hypocalcemia (P = .02). There was a progressively increasing risk of lower IPTH levels for each parathyroid gland inadvertently resected or autotransplanted. Male sex and African American race were independently predictive of higher IPTH levels. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Low postoperative IPTH level, female sex, and presence of malignant neoplasm are all significant, independent predictors of hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy. Clinicians should consider these variables when deciding how to best manage or prevent postoperative hypocalcemia.

Assessment of Vocal Fold Function Using Transcutaneous Laryngeal Ultrasonography and Flexible Laryngoscopy.

IMPORTANCE Evaluation of preoperative and postoperative vocal fold function is important in patients undergoing thyroid or parathyroid surgical procedures. Transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasonography (TLUSG) has been proposed as a promising noninvasive technique and alternative to flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy. OBJECTIVE To determine whether TLUSG can be an alternative to flexible laryngoscopy in evaluating vocal fold function. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A prospective study was performed from March 1, 2013, to July 31, 2014. Patients who were scheduled to undergo thyroid or parathyroid surgery by a single surgeon at a North American, university-based tertiary care center and who agreed to undergo preoperative and postoperative TLUSG and flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy were enrolled. Patients were divided into 2 groups: nonoverweight (body mass index [calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared] <25) and overweight or obese (body mass index ≥ 25). Follow-up was completed on February 28, 2015, and data were analyzed from March 1, 2013, to February 28, 2015. INTERVENTIONS Preoperative and postoperative TLUSG and flexible fiber optic laryngoscopic assessments of vocal fold function. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The findings of TLUSG and flexible fiber optic laryngoscopy were compared for all patients and each body mass index group to assess the accuracy of TLUSG in assessing vocal fold function. RESULTS A total of 250 patients (500 vocal folds) underwent evaluation, of whom 208 (83.2%) were women and with a mean (SD) age of 52.7 (14.3) years. On flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy findings, 13 patients had preoperative vocal fold paralysis (VFP), and 14 postoperative new incidents of VFP were identified. Only 7 (53.9%) of the preoperative cases of VFP and 15 (55.6%) of the postoperative cases of VFP were identified by TLUSG. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of preoperative TLUSG were 53.8%, 50.5%, and 50.6%, respectively; for postoperative TLUSG, 55.6%, 38.7%, and 39.6%, respectively. In the nonoverweight group, the preoperative TLUSG sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 100%, 70.0%, and 70.5%, respectively; in the overweight-obese group, 45.4%, 43.4%, and 43.5%, respectively (odds ratio, 3.16; 95% CI, 2.06-4.84; P < .001). Postoperative visualization of the vocal folds was more challenging, with a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 83.3%, 55.6%, and 56.8%, respectively, in the nonoverweight group, and 47.6%, 32.6%, and 33.4%, respectively, in the overweight-obese group (odds ratio, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.75-3.94; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE When evaluation of vocal fold function is indicated in patients undergoing thyroid and parathyroid surgery, TLUSG should not be considered as an alternative to the current practice of flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy. Adequate ultrasonographic visualization of the vocal folds and arytenoids is challenging, especially in overweight and obese patients and in the postoperative setting.

Evaluation of the Effect of Diagnostic Molecular Testing on the Surgical Decision-Making Process for Patients With Thyroid Nodules

IMPORTANCE Diagnostic molecular testing is used in the workup of thyroid nodules. While these tests appear to be promising in more definitively assigning a risk of malignancy, their effect on surgical decision making has yet to be demonstrated. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of diagnostic molecular profiling of thyroid nodules on the surgical decision-making process. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A surgical management algorithm was developed and published after peer review that incorporated individual Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology classifications with clinical, laboratory, and radiological results. This algorithm was created to formalize the decision-making process selected herein in managing patients with thyroid nodules. Between April 1, 2014, and March 31, 2015, a prospective study of patients who had undergone diagnostic molecular testing of a thyroid nodule before being seen for surgical consultation was performed. The recommended management undertaken by the surgeon was then prospectively compared with the corresponding one in the algorithm. Patients with thyroid nodules who did not undergo molecular testing and were seen for surgical consultation during the same period served as a control group. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES All pertinent treatment options were presented to each patient, and any deviation from the algorithm was recorded prospectively. To evaluate the appropriateness of any change (deviation) in management, the surgical histopathology diagnosis was correlated with the surgery performed. RESULTS The study cohort comprised 140 patients who underwent molecular testing. Their mean (SD) age was 50.3 (14.6) years, and 75.0% (105 of 140) were female. Over a 1-year period, 20.3% (140 of 688) had undergone diagnostic molecular testing before surgical consultation, and 79.7% (548 of 688) had not undergone molecular testing. The surgical management deviated from the treatment algorithm in 12.9% (18 of 140) with molecular testing and in 10.2% (56 of 548) without molecular testing (P = .37). In the group with molecular testing, the surgical management plan of only 7.9% (11 of 140) was altered as a result of the molecular test. All but 1 of those patients were found to be overtreated relative to the surgical histopathology analysis. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Molecular testing did not significantly affect the surgical decision-making process in this study. Among patients whose treatment was altered based on these markers, there was evidence of overtreatment.